CARVER, McLEOD COUNTIES, MN  The South Fork of the Crow River at Highway 7 near Mayer reached a level of 16.52 feet Friday morning, an increase of 0.32 feet in 15 hours. Flood stage at that point is 11 feet.

A statement released by MnDOT said every flood is dangerous. The agency advised motorists to follow these safe driving practices taken from the Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_during.shtm):

• Expect the unexpected  flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.

• Flooding can knock out bridges, undercut highways and clog roads with mud slides and debris.

• MnDOT will identify which roads are closed and warn motorists of potential pavement break up or soft shoulders that could give way.

• Drivers are warned not to drive around barricades and to check the state's traveler information Web site www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes.

• Do not drive into flooded areas.

• If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• A foot of water will float many vehicles.

• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickups.